Green Day's American Idiot: The Musical

In 2000 while in San Francisco, I attended a play at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre where I was introduced to Maggie Gyllenhaal when she portrayed Alice in the play, Closer.  I was blown away by her performance; I've followed her career since and she remains one of my favorite actors.

There is now another reason to return to the Berkeley Rep.  I believe I have made it clear of my love for the band, Green Day, despite our vast age differences.  One of the best albums of this decade, American Idiot, is now a play directed by Michael Mayer.  As seen on the Berkeley Rep's website:

Green Day won two Grammys for its multi-platinum album American Idiot, which sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. Now those searing songs seize the stage with the director behind Spring Awakening, the groundbreaking musical that earned eight Tony Awards and enthralled audiences around the world. American Idiot follows working-class characters from the suburbs to the city to the Middle East, as they seek redemption in a world filled with frustration. This high-octane show features every track from the album, plus several new tunes from Green Day’s newest release, 21st Century Breakdown. With an on-stage band and a cast of 19, American Idiot will take you on an exhilarating journey borne along by Green Day’s electrifying songs.

The play has been extended until November 1.  If by some strange chance you haven't heard of Green Day and need an introduction, click here.

Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers Records